Palestinian ambassador should be replaced: Alwi
SEOUL (JP): Indonesia will ask that Palestinian Ambassador to Jakarta Ribbhi Awad be replaced following accusations he botched a briefing with a Palestinian parliamentary delegation, which led to it erroneously condemning the Indonesian government for not supporting the Palestinian cause.
Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab said in Seoul on Thursday that Awad misinformed the Palestinian parliamentary delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in Jakarta, which led to the delegation criticizing President Abdurrahman Wahid.
"We do not want to deport him, but we will ask that Ribhi Awad be replaced. I will send a letter to (Palestinian leader) Yasser Arafat," said Alwi, who is in the South Korean capital accompanying Abdurrahman to a summit of Asian and European leaders.
The controversy erupted in Jakarta on Wednesday when the head of the Palestinian delegation, Salem Al-Za'noon, after meeting with People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais, expressed disappointment with the Indonesian government for failing to support Palestine during the recent conflict with Israel.
Al-Za'noon further criticized the President's refusal to withdraw his membership from the Shimon Peres Foundation, which he claimed helped fund Jewish settlements on Palestinian land.
The criticism came as a surprise because Indonesia has remained an adamant supporter of the Palestinian cause. Jakarta also has repeatedly refused to recognize and open diplomatic ties with Israel.
Alwi blamed on Thursday Ambassador Awad's failure to convey accurate information on Indonesia's stance on the Middle East crisis for the Palestinian statement.
The Palestinian ambassador is one of the longest serving envoys in Jakarta, having been posted in the capital since 1992.
Alwi said the fact that such criticism was launched against the President was a disgrace, adding that he would seek clarification from the Palestinian ambassador once he returned to Jakarta.
"The Palestinian ambassador wants to intervene in Indonesia's domestic affairs. We cannot accept this," Alwi remarked.
The criticism against Indonesia also appears out of place as the Indonesian delegation at the IPU conference lobbied for a draft resolution condemning Israel for the recent Middle East violence.
Also, Abdurrahman and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad issued a joint statement on Tuesday expressing concern over the issue.
And in Geneva, the Indonesian delegation to an emergency session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission issued a statement demanding the UN body take concrete action to stop the violation of the rights of the Palestinian people.
In a statement delivered by Ambassador Nugroho Wisnumurti, Indonesia called for the establishment of an international commission of inquiry and underlined the need for UN Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson to actively participate in collective efforts to improve the human rights situation in Palestinian territory.
In Jakarta on Thursday, House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung expressed regret over the Palestinian statement.
"Criticizing the President is not ethical conduct for the ambassador. He should be given a warning," Akbar remarked.
Akbar warned that a repeat of such behavior could warrant the ambassador being declared persona non grata.
Nevertheless, Akbar suggested the government consult with the House before taking such a drastic measure.
Legislator Ferry Tinggogoy echoed Akbar's statement, saying Awad's criticism of Abdurrahman was unethical.
"Ribbi deserves to be recalled. The President has the right to be angry with the ambassador," Ferry, from the Indonesian Military/National Police faction, said. (jun/byg)